Are you an advanced learner of English? These podcasts from Saarland University offer challenging listening opportunities and fascinating topics to do with the English language and culture. Get your new enhanced 5-minute episode once every two weeks.

113. Of cultural values in expressionsDid you ever wonder where the Rolling Stones got their name from?
Peter did and asked Roger about it. Roger suspects it's derived from an English language expression, which he explains to Peter.
That explanation leads to a discussion about how much of a culture's value system is reflected in its language, expressions and proverbs.Listen:

112. Things that don't exist at schoolLast time we dealt with culturally specific concepts that do not easily translate, because they are missing their counterparts in other languages.
This time our two hosts find a bunch of peculiar things in the American school system, that don't exist in Germany and - to some extent - are also foreign to Brits.Listen:

111. Words that don't existWhen Peter arrives late for the recording of this episode he has a very good excuse: He was looking for a word. A word that doesn't exist.
You wonder how that's possible and why Peter still made it for the recording? Well, Roger saves him some of the trouble. Listen in now...Listen:

110. Of tongues, threats and toolsWe are back with David Erent and English as a lingua franca.
David and Peter are going to look at how the use of English outside of its native territories affects other languages and speaker communities such as the French, the Finns, and the Swedish-speaking minority in Finland.Listen:

109. A Frenchman in FinlandFrench? - Finnish? - Swedish? - Arabic? - Hungarian? - Croatian? - I thought we were here to learn English?
We are indeed! And today's guest, David Erent from Helsinki, is going to explain to Peter and to you how English comes into play to resolve the truly Babylonian confusion in his life.Listen:

108. The labours of MaybotAs promised last time, Neil Charlton is back to explain what happened in this year's general elections in Britain.
Peter wants to know what factors played the biggest role for the surprising results they had.Listen:

107. A year afterDoes that title ring a bell? Yes, we are referring back to our special episode number ten that we recorded on -the day after- Britain voted to leave the EU.
Today Neil Charlton is back, almost exactly a year after those events, and he is telling us about BrExit reality today. Peter wants to know if people have realised what this decision really meant and how it affects life in Britain at this point.Listen:

106. Figuratively bakingWhile our last two episodes dealt with the specific vocabulary for bakery products in Britain and the United States, Roger and Peter are looking into a figurative use of these words in proverbs, idioms and other fixed expressions this time.
Would you believe us if we told you this episode is really the icing on the cake of the current mini-series? Or do you think it's rather a cherry?Listen:

105. Of springy and holey breadRoger and Peter are looking into bakery products again, while focussing on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean this time. Peter explains to Roger how Americans tackle the bread and butter issue.
<a href="http://www.dlc.fi/~marian1/gourmet/i_cereal.htm" target="_blank">Cereals</a>
This web page offers additional information on the topic of grains and cereals. Read this to prepare for some serious shopping and baking.Listen:

104. A bread and butter episodePeter is hungry. So he takes the liberty to eat away at a croissant while recording.
This gets our two hosts involved in a conversation about the peculiarities of British bakery products, and Peter learns a lot about scones and cream tea, buttered crumpets, buns and pasties.
Do you know what all of these are? Just listen to this episode.Listen:

103. The problem with soccerRoger received some feedback by other native speakers concerning his usage of the word soccer: They sad he wasn't using proper English (as in British) English there.
But Roger being the experienced linguist did some thorough research on the topic and is now sharing the insights he gained...Listen:

102. The problem with dictionariesThis episode's title refers to a remark that Roger made in episode 100. Today our two hosts are elaborating on why using dictionaries can be problematic and what exactly Roger had in mind. Of course, they will also let you know how to avoid the worst trouble.
<a href="http://ropecast.podspot.de/post/13-more-than-words/" target="_blank">13. More than words</a>
This is the first episode in an earlier mini-series, where we recommended a range of learners' dictionaries. Look back here for some recommendations on what to buy.
<a href="http://www.ldoceonline.com/" target="_blank">LDOCE online</a>
The free online version of a well-known British learners' dictionary.
<a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/" target="_blank">Merriam-Webster</a>
An American mono-lingual dictionary with a lot of additional information.Listen:

101. One-oh-one 101No, we have not switched to binary language, and April the 1st is only tomorrow.
This is really all about the meaning of the number 101. Our 101st episode is all dealing with its rather peculiar ordinal. And it can mean quite different things, depending on its cultural background.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nineteen_Eighty-Four" target="_blank">1984</a>
Read up on the novel mentioned and learn about its even wider influence on language and media.Listen:

100. And the award goes to ...This is a very special episode for three reasons:
▸ First of all, it's our 100th.</li>
▸ Then its the first that we have video-taped in front of a live audience. </li>
▸ And lastly, it's special because we received an award.</li>
What award that is and how to translate the respective terminology into English is our topic for this RoPeCast.
We also want to thank our listeners new and old for subscribing to us and following our show in the last years! And of course, stay tuned for more ...Listen:

99. More time comes along ... or around?Again, Roger and Peter are looking into metaphors for time. Peter noticed that time is not always money in the English language and together they try to put things into frame for you.
And more questions arise out of this ... Is time linear?
No, this is not about physics - it's culture, really, and economy!Listen:

98. Living on borrowed ideasDo you know what a metaphor is?
And if you do, do you know how important a role metaphors play in everyday language?
They are really worth investing some time into: If you know the central metaphors of a culture and language, a lot of words and phrases revolving around those central concepts can be logically explained and then memorised a lot more easily!
Listen as Roger and Peter share some insights about metaphors in language.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor" target="_blank">Metaphor</a>
This Wikipedia article explains the metaphor in detail.
<a href="http://theliterarylink.com/metaphors.html" target="_blank">Summary</a>
This site gives you a very brief overview about "Metaphors we live by", the book that inspired this episode.Listen:

97. Training the New LearnerNo, this is not about Karl Marx! Instead we are thinking about how teaching and learning can be more effective and more fun for both the teacher and the student.
Based on what we read in "The gardener and the carpenter" we conclude this double episode with thoughts on how things need to change for and between teachers and learners.Listen:

96. Of teachers and coursebooksOne of Roger's book recommendations "The Gardener and the Carpenter" was picked up by Peter recently and so the two start thinking about a language teacher's gardening and woodworking - figuratively speaking.
And so Roger recounts some experiences with English teachers he visited at school and tells us what he thinks made a great language class.Listen:

95. Teaching tips and presidential presentationsRoger and Peter are glad to welcome you to a new year of RoPeCast and English learning opportunities.
To start off with, they make another new year's resolution concerning tips for teachers.
Peter then starts with a tip for people into training their own or their students' presentation skills: When it comes to rhetoric, watch and learn from president Obama!
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1gpZR6vBn8" target="_blank">Obama's farewell address</a>
A prime example of his brilliance as an orator.
<a href="http://www.npr.org/2017/01/10/509137106/watch-live-obama-addresses-the-nation-in-farewell-speech" target="_blank">An annotated transcript of the speech</a>
If you want more detailed information.Listen:

94. What a year!Time for a very short summary of the past twelve months and some new year's resolutions. It's just a few days before New Year's Eve.
Your RoPeCast team wishes you and your loved ones all the best for 2017. Stay tuned!Listen:

93. Not always comicalThis episode concludes our pre-Christmas series of book recommendations with comics respectively graphic novels. Peter has brought a selection of his favourites:
<a href="http://www.isbnsearch.org/isbn/9781401248192" target="_blank">Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons: Watchmen</a>
A group of somewhat different superheroes has to deal with a murder case at the brink of World War III.
<a href="http://www.isbnsearch.org/isbn/9780393338966" target="_blank">David Small: Stitches</a>
The son of an X-ray doctor looses a vocal chord and his voice to cancer.
<a href="http://www.isbnsearch.org/isbn/9780618871711" target="_blank">Allison Bechtel: Fun home</a>
An autobiographical story of a homosexual coming-out.
<a href="http://www.isbnsearch.org/isbn/9781606997604" target="_blank">Joyce Farmer: Special exits</a>
The last four years of an elderly couple and how their daughter copes with her aging parents' peculiarities.
<a href="http://www.isbnsearch.org/isbn/9781770462182" target="_blank">Craig Thompson: Blankets</a>
The coming of age story of a boy, his first love and the ensuing problems with his devout Christian parents.
<a href="http://www.isbnsearch.org/isbn/9780805010626" target="_blank">G. B. Trudeau: The Doonesbury Chronicles</a>
The first collection of a famous American newspaper comic strip
<a href="http://www.isbnsearch.org/isbn/9780836236866" target="_blank">G. B. Trudeau: Planet Doonesbury</a>
An edition of later comics from the same series, with a very special advertisement on its front cover, that Peter reads out in the episode.Listen:

92. Thrilling non-fictionWe're back already - as promised - with the third installment of pre-Christmas book recommendations for your personal wish- or shopping-lists.
Roger is back with some really interesting non-fiction works, and of course Peter has one to add from his shelf.
<a href="http://www.isbnsearch.org/isbn/9781471157790" target="_blank">Bruce Springsteen: Born to Run</a>
The autobiography of the Boss. "'nuff said!"
<a href="http://www.isbnsearch.org/isbn/9780141033570" target="_blank">Daniel Kahneman: Thinking, fast and slow</a>
A nobel prize winner's insights on how our brain works.
<a href="http://www.isbnsearch.org/isbn/9781781252956" target="_blank">Karen Joy Fowler: We are all completely beside ourselves</a>
A novel about a family and a mysterious disappearance. But all based on fact and a good read to think about what's going on in science nowadays.
<a href="http://www.isbnsearch.org/isbn/9781847921611" target="_blank">Alison Gopnik: The gardener and the carpenter</a>
A book about parenting, what to do and what not to. Our question to be discussed in another episode: Does this have implications for language learning?Listen:

91. Illegally goodWe are back with the next batch of our Christmas book recommendations. Sylke Loew is in the studio to share her expertise on today's genre: Crime stories. Have a look at her recommendations:
<a href="http://www.isbnsearch.org/isbn/9781447925705" target="_blank">Alexander McCall Smith: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency</a>
A middle-aged lady in Botswana opens a detective agency and helps people deal with their problems.
<a href="http://www.isbnsearch.org/isbn/9781405862486" target="_blank">Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: The Hound of the Baskervilles</a>
Sherlock Holmes has to solve a mysterious case involving a gigantic dog.
<a href="http://www.isbnsearch.org/isbn/9781477818404" target="_blank">E.C. Diskin: The Green Line</a>
An aspiring young lawyer gets onto the wrong train and ends up in the darker parts of ChicagoListen:

90. Fantastic readsThis year - instead of broadcasting one long Christmas special - we decided to produce a special mini-series dealing with book recommendations that could inspire some of your Christmas shopping. In each episode we will pick out one particular genre of novels. This time we're looking into fantasy stories. Our guest is Christoph Klein, who brings along some good (or should we say fantastic) reads.
And if you can recommend more English fantasy novels, let us all know below in a comment!
<a href="http://www.isbnsearch.org/isbn/9781405852104" target="_blank">Tim Burton: The Nightmare before Christmas</a>
Burton's famous stop-motion movie turned into a learner-friendly reader with reduced vocabulary (600 headwords) and an accompanying audio version of the book on CD.
<a href="http://www.isbnsearch.org/isbn/9780061992889" target="_blank">C. S. Lewis: The Chronicles of Narnia</a>
A series of seven books, loosely tied together, telling the story of several children's great adventures in a parallel world called Narnia.
<a href="http://www.isbnsearch.org/isbn/9780545162074" target="_blank">J. K. Rowling: Harry Potter</a>
We don't need to explain much about this modern classic, seven-book series. Go ahead and read the original, especially, if you've only seen the movies so far. There's so much more to discover in this fantastic world.
<a href="http://www.isbnsearch.org/isbn/9781782761877" target="_blank">Ben Aaronovitch: Rivers of London</a>
A series of fantasy stories as well as detective novels. Peter Grant is a junior police officer in London when he realises he's got a special talent. And soon he finds himself with a new superior, a detective chief inspector and wizard, investigating supernatural crime in the London area and brokering treaties with river gods.Listen:

X14 - Why Trump won and what it meansIt really does feel like the BrExit vote all over again - For the second time in a year, the decision of voters has led to a more than surprising and unsettling result. Peter and his special guest David Nott from Iowa discuss how Donald Trump was able to be elected the 45th US president - and what this may mean for the future of "God's Own Country".
<a href="http://ropecast.podspot.de/post/x10-the-day-after/" target="_blank">RoPeCast Special #X10</a>
Our review of the BrExit vote on "The day after".Listen:

X13 - 'Cause of the caucusHave you also wondered how the American people came to choose between two presidential candidates who are both rather unpopular? Who voted for them in the first place?
In this episode you get an inside view on how the system of the American primaries works.
<a href="http://ropecast.podspot.de/post/26-vote-till-you-drop-the-us-electoral-system/" target="_blank">26. Vote till you drop - the U.S. electoral system</a>
Listen also to this episode if you want to learn more about the presidential elections in general, before hearing about the primaries.Listen:

X12 - Ropey-LeaksA candid(ate) special!
Listen in to the plans we have for our podcast in the coming months.
To fully appreciate the contents of this episode you may want to watch it on <a href="https://youtu.be/KFrEaGX_f24" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.Listen:

89. Veritably charitable vegetablesIn this third and last instalment of our mini-series on English gardens, Roger and his guest Peter bring their account of English gardening history to the modern day.
Apart from learning about new interesting gardens, "gardeners" and concepts, three important societies are presented, that care for public gardens in the United Kingdom. In other words: three starting points for finding gardens to visit on your trip to Britain.
<a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gertrude_Jekyll">Gertrude Jekyll</a>
An article about the influential "arts & crafts" garden designer.
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ngs.org.uk/gardens/find-a-garden.aspx">Find a garden</a>
The homepage allowing to search for gardens organised under the National Garden Scheme, NGS.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show">RHS Chelsea Flower Show</a>
The Royal Horticultural Society's website about the annual Chelsea Flower Show.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/">NationalTrust.org</a>
The homepage of the British National Trust.Listen:

88. Of bridges, temples and other folliesAnd we're back with more insights on English gardens. Roger and his guest Peter (again not our host of the same name), continue looking at what makes a park and garden typically English. This time they talk about the later elements of the typical English landscape garden, leading to the reintroduction of formal elements in the Victorian age.
<a href="https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/collection/401358/the-family-of-george-ii-0" target="_blank">William Hogarth: "The family of George II</a>
The description of this painting (showing a royal garden scence) references the quote Roger mentions: "the appearance of beautiful nature" from a letter from the same period. The text also mentions some influential gardens, and some statements about this - back then - "new" style of gardens.
<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead" target="_blank">Stourhead</a>
The web presence of one of the big gardens mentioned in this episode
<a href="http://www.kew.org/" target="_blank">Kew Gardens</a>
The second garden that is referenced in the course of this episode
<a href="http://heligan.com/" target="_blank">The Lost Gardens of Heligan</a>
Heligan is the Cornish word for 'willow' and this is the third influential garden mentioned.Listen:

87. From Roman box tree to English capabilityYou probably know box trees: Small and hard leaved trees that are often used to create shaped bushes or symmetric hedges in many green areas around the world. Romans were already quite fond of them, when they created the first instances of what we call 'gardens' today.
Roger's guest is an expert on English gardens and together they look into what makes a garden specifically English.
<a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Englischer_Garten">Englischer Garten</a>
If you want to get a real look at an English garden, there are examples outside of the British Isles, as the one in Munich that is described in this article.
<a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ha-ha">Ha-ha</a>
In case you still don't know what a Ha-ha is, have a look at this link to fill in the missing bits of information.Listen:

86. Teddy bears and caramel wafers... these are by far not the only things students in the United Kingdom are concerned with, but they may play a little role for some as you will learn.
In this episode Roger and his guest conclude the series on Bristol by having a look at university life in Bristol or the U.K. in general. What are the peculiarities of British courses and how do they differ for example from a German university programme? What criteria do you have to meet in order to be admitted to the University of Bristol?Listen:

85. Eat, Play, CycleWe are continuing our topic from last episode: The city of Bristol. This time we focus more on the current conditions and what makes Bristol an attractive place to visit or live in.
Learn about the central feature of the city: Diversity! Be it the eateries in Gloucester Road and elsewhere, the music scene or the altitude levels which many cyclists are facing: You'll find it all from plain and level to the steepest, most challenging hills.
<a href="http://visitbristol.co.uk/" target="_blank">Visit Bristol</a>
Discover on this page what else Bristol has to offer - if you just stop by as a visitor or stay for longer as a guest student.Listen:

84. Of almshouses and slave tradersToday Roger is joined by a guest from Bristol to talk about the history of that famous port city at the west coast of England.
<a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bristol">Bristol</a>
This Wikipedia article about the city has detailed information about its history and the involvement in the slave trade.
<a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_slavery">History of Slavery</a>
If you want to read up on how slavery has affected the world, have a look at this article.Listen:

83. Talking gunsA meadow turned over by wild boars triggers a chain of association that - via hunting - leads to Roger and Peter discussing gun "culture" in the U.S. and the different approaches in the U.K. and Germany in comparison.
<a href="http://pamelahaag.com/book/" target="_blank">"The Gunning of America"</a>
A book by historian Pamela Haag that looks into how the American weapons' industry "implanted" society with its love of guns.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution" target="_blank">Second Amendment to the United States Constitution</a>
Wikipedia has detailed information about the constitutional character of the "right to keep and bear arms" in the U.S.Listen:

82. Focus on footballHave you ever wondered why the United Kingdom as one nation has four different national teams competing in international events? - Well Peter has, not only since three of them made it into the current European Championship. Roger fills him in about the reasons, which lie in the history of football (i.e. soccer, asSOCiation football) on the British Isles.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.szsb.uni-saarland.de/files/szsb/usr/doc/all/Fu%C3%9Fball-Flyer.pdf">Football glossary in 6 languages</a>
As a little gimmick for this year's open day at university, we've prepared a multilingual football glossary that you can download and use for the coming games to shout and scold and cheer in the language of your choice!
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom_national_football_team" target="_blank">United Kingdom national football team</a>
The (non-)article mentioned by Peter in the episodeListen:

X11 - There'd better be no more Troubles!Roger is back interviewing his brother Neil in the wake of the British EU referendum. Today they're looking into the special case of Northern Ireland and the sneaky influence media have had in the British decision.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Troubles" target="_blank">The Troubles</a>
A Wikipedia article on the background of the Northern Irish conflict, to read up on history, as Neil recommended.
<a href="http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2016/06/daily-chart-15" target="_blank">Debunking years of tabloid claims about Europe</a>
The Economist has looked into the propagation of EU-myths in British newspapers.Listen:

X10 - The day afterToday Peter has a special guest to discuss the result of the British EU referendum. Neil Charlton, political scientist and British civil servant for many years joins this special episode to give us some highly up-to-date insights into what happened in Britain the other night.
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/24/how-did-uk-end-up-voting-leave-european-union" target="_blank">How did UK end up voting to leave the European Union?</a>
The first of three articles from the Guardian having an even deeper look into the circumstances of the referendum.
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2016/jun/23/eu-referendum-result-live-counting-leave-remain-brain-in-europe" target="_blank">Nicola Sturgeon says second Scottish referendum 'highly likely' – as it happened</a>
This second article deals with the first consequences arising.
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/24/britain-votes-for-brexit-eu-referendum-david-cameron" target="_blank">UK votes to leave EU after dramatic night divides nation</a>
The third article deals with the rift that is going to keep the British society divided for quite a while.Listen:

81. That breax itToday, we'll have another look at the EU-referendum, which is going to take place next week in the United Kingdom (on June 23rd). Roger has invited Dan back into the show and the two are discussing facets of the general public opinion, and they'll look into the possible consequences of a potential "BrExit".
<a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/politics/eu_referendum" target="_blank">Information on the referendum</a>
The BBC has compiled a webpage to inform the public about all aspects of the referendumListen:

80. Britain's EU merry-go-roundToday, Roger has a guest over to discuss the upcoming referendum on the U.K.'s EU-membership.
They talk about why the U.K. is going to take this decision now, and what the potential consequences might be.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom_European_Union_membership_referendum,_2016" target="_blank">The 2016 referendum</a>
Find more information about the upcoming referendum on Wikipedia.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom_European_Communities_membership_referendum,_1975" target="_blank">The 1975 referendum</a>
Read about the first big referendum referred to by Roger in this episode.Listen:

X09 - ReloadedFinally it is done! And yes, this episode's title is quoting the second installment of the Matrix, but it is also meant literally:
After LOADs of work in the last months we've managed to shift RoPeCast into a new era. We have RE-upLOADed all existing episodes to YouTube and also to this re-established 'classic' MP3 podcast.
In this episode we celebrate the occasion with some guest in the studio, and we are finally back with revamped looks, all new episodes and - of course - entirely new topics. Listen in to learn more ...
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeL1g2mNbMzw3O9rhvYCKFw" target="_blank">RoPeCast on YouTube</a>
Try also the video illustrating what is being said!Listen:

79. Last ContactEnding our series on university austerity policy, we look into what really makes a difference to the success of a student. Is it what the Brits are discussing frequently these days, the so called 'contact hours' with a teacher? We'll let you know ...Listen:

78. Class size does matterAusterity policy at university is the continuing topic of this episode, and the two hosts are discussing its effects.
This time they focus on the consequences of increasing class size at university in order to save money.
Is this a good approach? - Listen in now ...Listen:

77. Austerity policy - Saving universityAusterity is a word that one encounters rather frequently in news and politics these days.
In this episode Roger explains the meaning of this word, and both hosts discuss the effects that austerity policy can have on university in general and also how our university is affected by financial cuts imposed by the state government.Listen:

76. Thorny paths for the thistleThe thistle is a national symbol of Scotland and a thorny path might lay ahead for the Scots if they separated from the United Kingdom.
Roger was somewhat hesistant to state his own opinion about the Scottish referendum at the end of our last episode. But Peter won't let him off the hook just like that. He's asking again, and our two hosts are going to look in detail at motives and possible consequences of the Scottish vote in September 2014.
The Scots eventually decided to stay in the UK, but the question is bound to come up again in a wake of what the news call the "BrExit". Stay tuned!
<a href="https://youtu.be/m9u-4RVwChs" target="_blank">On the topic of "BrExit"</a>
Find some original footage and commentary related to the "BrExit".Listen:

75. Should I stay or should I go?A question that The Clash asked in their famous song, but also a question that the Scots are asking themselves when it comes to Scotland being a part of the United Kingdom.
Before the 2014 referendum, Roger and Peter were discussing how the referendum came about in the first place and what consequences the Scottish decision might have.
<a href="http://www.scotreferendum.com/" target=_blank">Scot Referendum</a>
The original site about the referendum as archived in October 2014.
<a href="https://youtu.be/GqH21LEmfbQ" target="_blank">Should I stay or should I go?</a>
The original song referenced by this episode's title.Listen:

74. They are not always men, guysAs an extension of our series on affirmative action in the U.S. and the 'women's quota' in Germany (episodes #068 and #069), Peter and his guest Carrie are looking into the linguistic remains of patriarchic structures, and into 'measures' being taken.
<a href="http://ropecast.podspot.de/post/68-aaand-action/" target="_blank">RoPeCast Ep 68 - Aaand ... action!</a>
The first episode in this little series.
<a href="http://ropecast.podspot.de/post/69-exhausting-quota/" target="_blank">RoPeCast Ep 69 - Exhausting quota</a>
The second episode, preceding this one in out series.Listen:

73. Tellies, Time Issues and SolitudeEnding our series on British boarding life Christoph tells Peter about his own accomodation as an assistant teacher, which came with some luxury but also lacked certain possibilities.Listen:

72. Rich folks, Racks and RidingContinuing our series on life in an exclusive British boarding school, we are now looking into questions such as "Rent a horse or bring your own?" or "Is my towel warm enough?"
Hear about this and other pecularities of schools for rich people in this third episode of the series that started with #048.
<a href="http://ropecast.podspot.de/post/48-privately-public/" target="_blank">RoPeCast Ep 48 - Privately public</a>
This is the first of two earlier episodes in our series on public schools and boarding school life in Britain.
<a href="http://ropecast.podspot.de/post/49-a-school-day-compared/" target="_blank">RoPeCast Ep 49 - A school day compared</a>
The second part on school and boarding life in our little series.Listen:

71. Preposed to marry a verbDo you fill in or fill out a form? Do you do things again or over? Are you confused when it comes to adding prepositions to verbs? Well, don't worry - even native speakers argue about this.Listen:

70. Prep. talk?In this episode Roger and Peter discuss the difficulties of learning and teaching prepositions in English. They talk about the logic and concepts behind this - or the lack thereof.
This episode is the last of our legacy episodes. Well, that's not completely correct. Episode #70 may be old but it has never been published. When it was ready back in 2014 we couldn't broadcast it, because our old blog software wasn't working anymore by then.
So, #70 is actually the first in a row of episodes that remained unaired for those technical reasons which eventually lead to a prolonged period of silence. But as you can see, we never really were silent, we just couldn't be heard. This is why we call this period "The Lost Season".
But we're back now and have decided to publish all episodes of "The Lost Season" in the weeks to come. - Enjoy and stay tuned!
Originally planned to air in Apr 2014Listen:

69. Exhausting quotaIn Germany the quota is a much discussed solution to the problem field of women not being properly represented in some parts of the professional world. We’ll discuss why Americans did not opt for this type of solution, how other countries deal with it, and we’ll talk about the general, social consequences involved.
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/19/business/global/merkel-concedes-on-quotas-for-women.html?_r" target="_blank">The New York Times</a>
An outside view on the German debate from the American news paper.
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/feb/27/germany-journalists-media-women-quota" target="_blank">The Guardian</a>
This article illustrates the British view of the discussion in Germany early this year.Listen:

68. Aaand ... action!No, this is not about the movies or Hollywood. Roger has invited a guest from the US for this episode to talk about a question that has been much debated in Germany lately. The two are going to discuss what the United States are doing to ensure women’s rights and equality when it comes to getting a job. Americans take “affirmative action”. Listen now to understand what that exactly means …
<a href="http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/affirmative-action/" target="_blank"> What is Affirmative Action?</a>
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy explains the concept briefly and gives a lot of background information.
<a href="http://www.aaaed.org/aaaed/default.asp" target="_blank"> The American Association for Affirmative Action (AAAA)</a>
This organisation has been founded to promote the concept which is not only applied to women of course, but also used to protect minority rights.Listen:

67. Cheers, folks!No, we are not in the studio celebrating and drinking. Cheers is one of those words that have an entirely different meaning depending on which side of the Atlantic you are on. Or at least they used to have a different meaning…
We are back with some more British vocabulary that is “infiltrating” American English these days. And cheers can be much more than just a toast!
<a href="https://britishisms.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"> Britishisms</a>
A blog on "infiltrating" British words.
<a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-19670686" target="_blank"> Britishisms and the Britishisation of American English</a>
Read a BBC News article about the topic of British English influencing the American variant.Listen:

66. Back and forth across the oceanCould James Bond be played by an American actor? Are there any red-haired Brits?
Pecularities of the American and British variety of English are not as hard and fast as one generally assumes. In this episode we start reflecting on how American and British English are influencing one another – in the media and otherwise.
<a href="http://uproxx.com/filmdrunk/how-to-speak-american-with-the-harry-potter-cast/" target="_blank">How to speak American with the Harry Potter cast</a>
This also works the other way around. Watch how Daniel Radcliffe and his wizard friends try themselves at "speaking American".Listen:

X08 - Merry Christmas! (Christmas Special 2012)A very short podcast on Christmas Eve to wish all our listeners a Merry Christmas and send you a little puzzling present.
<a href="http://www.szsb.uni-saarland.de/tl_files/szsb/usr/doc/en/RoPeCast/RoPeXmasXword.pdf" target="_blank">Roger's Cryptic Christmas Crossword</a>
Roger compiled a cryptic crossword as a present to all you puzzling fans out there. Stay tuned for the solution that we'll publish along with our next episode.Listen:

65. Hoisting the StandardNo, we are not talking about flying flags today. After a question in class, Peter asks Roger why many people still consider British English the only proper standard, despite the fact that there are a lot more American speakers of English.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noah_Webster" target="_blank">Noah Webster</a>
A Wikipedia article about the "father" of American English
<a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/" target="_blank">Merriam-Webster</a>
The online dictionary in succession to Webster's original product
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Witherspoon" target="_blank">John Witherspoon</a>
If you are familiar with actress Reese Witherspoon, read up on her ancestor here, who is mentioned in this episode and played an important role in the history of American English and also for the States themselves.Listen:

64. Crossing the lineWe are back with more puzzle fun! This time we are going to have a look into the typical British ‘cryptic’ crossword puzzle. Roger will explain what to look for when trying to solve them. And of course we provide some links and material for you to test your puzzling skills!
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords" target="_blank">The Guardian</a>
If you can't get enough, the gigantic crossword archive at the Guardian website will cater for all your cryptic needs.Listen:

63. Crossing wordsCrossword puzzles are fascinating. In Britain even more so than in the rest of the world. Listen to this episode to unrevel the mysteries of British cryptic crosswords.
They are really hard, but once you know what to look for, you can solve them, too!
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptic_crossword" target="_blank">Cryptic Crossword</a>
Read about British-style crosswords on Wikipedia.
<a href="http://www.puzzlechoice.com/pc2/Cryptic_Arcx.html" target="_blank">48 puzzles</a>
Try yourself at these crosswords. There's also a solution so you don't despair.Listen:

62. Time outOur topic today is sports that were once Olympic. and in general how the public interest in certain disciplines varies over time and continents.
We are referring back to the Olympics in this episode, and we apologise for being late; time-out of a different sort.
Nevertheless when it comes to sports we are highly topical with this episode. Check it out!
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_sports#Current_and_discontinued_summer_program" target="_blank">Discontinued olympic sports</a>
The Wikipedia article has a table of all former olympic disciplines
<a href="http://www.usaca.org/" target="_blank">USACA</a>
The website of the United States of America Cricket Association
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAyEti-_lR8" target="_blank">Ultimate Highlights</a>
This Youtube video with a compilation of Ultimate matches will give you an impression of this ultimately quick sport.Listen:

61. Name a disciplineJust in time for the Olympic Games in London we are glad to present our special edition. Peter really enjoys watching the Olympic coverage on TV, but he needs support unravelling some tricky sport jargon terms. Roger can help with that …
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_sports" target="_blank">Olympic Sports</a>
The Wikipedia article lists all former and current Olympic sports along with some background information on their development.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athletics_at_the_Summer_Olympics" target="_blank">Athletics / Track & field</a>
Here you'll find many of the terms that are hard to understand. Read up on athletics, or - as the Americans call it - track and field.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spear#The_fighting_spear" target="_blank">Spear and javelin</a>
The introduction about "The fighting spear" explains the difference between a spear and a javelin.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eventing" target="_blank">Eventing</a>
A detailed description of the events again found on WikipediaListen:

60. English is more pun!Are you following the European Championship in football these days? Well, if you like football or if you don’t, we’ve got a little riddle for you, which is based on a pun:
What is the difference between the English national football team and a tea bag?
To read the solution click here, hold the mouse button and drag your mouse …
The tea bag stays in the cup longer!
... down here.
<a href="http://www.buzzle.com/articles/puns-list-of-puns.html" target="_blank"> List of puns</a>
Find some classics here.
<a href="https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Tragedy_of_Romeo_and_Juliet#SCENE_I._Verona._A_public_place." target="_blank"> Puns are rated!</a>
If you are looking for puns less suitable for children, we recommend Shakespeare. Check out the dialogue between Gregory and Sampson at the beginning of act 1, scene 1 in "Romeo and Juliet" to find a fun pun. And of course there are more.Listen:

59. Punny, ain't it?Do you like puns? Then you are in good outdoor retail company with non-prophet organisations! Justin Time we are Shaking Speares at elephants to get down of a duck‽
Totally confused now? Check out this episode for more delightenment!
<a href="https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Tragedy_of_Richard_the_Third" target="_blank"> Shakespeare's "Tragedy of Richard III"</a>
Read the opening lines of the first act which have been turned into a sales slogan.
<a href="http://www.investorschronicle.co.uk/2012/01/06/comment/chronic-investor-blog/now-is-the-winter-of-our-discount-tent-6jDU24b7nU85ZULVjuuGHN/article.html" target="_blank"> Discount Tent</a>
This news article deals with the outdoor retailer in financial discontentListen:

58. Ratcheting up on toolsYou have no clue what a ratchet is, what it is used for, and what “ratcheting up” means? Just listen to this Toolbox full words like French key, hammer, saw, axe and lots of others that are useful for home improvement and metaphorical expression.
<a href="http://www.languageguide.org/english/vocabulary/tools/" target="_blank">Interactive Tools Vocabulary</a>
Hover the mouse over a tool to see its name and click it to hear how it is pronounced.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conversion_%28word_formation%29" target="_blank">Zero derivation or Conversion</a>
A short article on the linguistic phenomenon of zero derviation; e.g. having a verb derived from a noun without any changes.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hammer" target="_blank">Hammers</a>
The Wikipedia article on hammers contains many more interesting details on that common tool. See also the gallery of different types of hammers and mallets found here.
<a href="http://www.learnersdictionary.com/definition/ax" target="_blank">to ax sth.</a>
An explanatory entry from the Merriam-Webster Learners' DictionaryListen:

57. The nuts and boltsMost of you will know what a screwdriver is. – But have you got any idea what rawlplugs are, or about a Phillips, or a POZIdrive screw?
If you ever wondered what the proper names for tools and hardware are, we’ll help you out with this nuts and bolts episode on tools. If you are a handy person this podcast will come in handy, too!
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Joseph_Rawlings" target="_blank">John Joseph Rawling</a>
Read about the inventor of the rawlplug and watch a little animation to illustrate how it works.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_screw_drives" target="_blank">Types of screws</a>
This Wikipedia article lists many many different types of screw drives, not just the three mentioned in our podcast.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screwdriver" target="_blank">Screwdriver</a>
In this article you find a detailed history of the screwdriver and its alternatives.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drill" target="_blank">Drills</a>
There are almost as many types of drills as there are for screws.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yardstick" target="_blank">Yard stick</a>
And finally, a little complement for our chapter on measuring tools.Listen:

56. Do you know it's Christmas?Seasons greetings to you all out there in podcast land. We have a new Christmas special for you. Last year we talked about Christmas songs in the seventies. This time Paul Kingsbury is back at the studio to talk about Christmas pop songs in the eighties.
Join us for some modern Christmas classics …Listen:

55. Trashy rubbish on garbage bagsRemember how we talked about getting rid of stuff you no longer need in our last episode? This time we are going to delve a bit deeper: There are numerous words for things that you don’t need anymore and their usage varies: People put out their rubbish, garbage or trash. But then people sometimes talk rubbish, but never trash. If you are confused now, you have to listen to this episode. And there will be a little question for you at the end. If you know the answer, feel free to leave a comment and maybe win a little prize.
<a href="http://www.weheartjunkremoval.com/uncategorized/junk-or-trash" target="_blank">Junk and trash</a>
Some notes on the fine differences in this pair of words by a professional
<a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/garbage" target="_blank">Garbage @ Merriam-Webster</a>
Explore the word field in the online dictionary via the synonyms list
<a href="https://www.epa.gov/rcra" target="_blank">Map of US disposal sites</a>
This page by the Environmental Protection Agency offers an interactive map.Listen:

54. Antique attic anticsRoPeCast is finally back from the summer break! And we are bringing along some insights on how differently people from the UK or the US get rid of the stuff they’ve stored in their attic, cellar or garage.
<a href="http://www.carbootsales.org/" target="_blank">Car boot sales around the UK</a>
Find locations of car boot sales all over the UK and some other European countries.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garage_sale" target="_blank">Garage sales</a>
Read up on the American Garage sale and all the related topics listed on Wikipedia.
<a href="https://www.freecycle.org/" target="_blank">Freecycle</a>
The modern way of giving away what you don't need without throwing it away.Listen:

53. Of Ravens, Rates and RevenueSarah Jerram is back in the studio. This time she and Peter are musing about possible reasons for the German reluctance to reproduce at a proper rate. Britain however does a much better job at that.
<a href="http://www.bpb.de/nachschlagen/zahlen-und-fakten/soziale-situation-in-deutschland/61550/geburten" target="_blank">Birth rate in Germany</a>
This page by the Federal Centre for Political Education provides statistical information on the German birth rate. (German)
<a href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/" target="_blank">Birth rate in the UK</a>
The Office for National Statistics publishes information on births in Britain
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/18/world/europe/18iht-women.html?ref=world&_r=0" target="_blank">In Germany, a Tradition Falls, and Women Rise</a>
The American view on the German phenomenon as published by the New York TimesListen:

52. Swinging and teething the hard wayListen to Sarah Jerram, teacher of English at Saarland university, describing her experiences as a working mother in Germany – from the British perspective. What are the most striking differences when it comes to being a parent in Germany or Britain in comparison?
<a href="http://www.ehow.com/list_6621989_names-playground-equipment_.html" target="_blank"> List of Playground Equipment</a>
Add to your knowledge of playground vocabulary with this article from eHow on playground equipment and toys.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playground" target="_blank"> "Playground" at Wikipedia</a>
The encyclopedia article adds some interesting facts about the history of playgrounds and offers pictures that help you understand what the different designations for toys actually refer to.Listen:

51. Rebuilding a NationPuerto Rico isn’t the only region that people argue should be counted towards the United States. Episode 51 tells you about the 51st state and several more. We place the Liberty State, Euphoria and Calisota on your map of the US.
Never heard of them? You need to change that … now!
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fictional_U.S._states" target="_blank">More states</a>
Here is the list that this episode was based on.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fictional_counties" target="_blank">More counties</a>
Not only the United States are larger than commonly assumed. There's also more to Britain than meets the bird's eye! Read about new frontiers on the British Isles and uncharted territory in other parts of the world.
<a href="http://wackypedia.wikia.com/wiki/Calisota" target="_blank">Calisota</a>
An article on the state and its history
<a href="http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Gotham" target="_blank">Gotham City</a>
Find information about the capital of the famous state.
<a href="http://literarymenagerie.blogspot.de/2009/03/changing-places-by-david-lodge-book.html" target="_blank">"Changing Places" in Euphoria</a>
Are you familiar with David Lodge? Read about one of his works in this review.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Theft_Auto_%28series%29#Setting" target="_blank">Liberty City</a>
An extensive article on the famous racing venue.Listen:

50. Challenging Symbolic CelebrationThe popular American author Dan Brown is always good at combining mysterious numbers with even more mysterious symbols into puzzling plots.
We try something similar for a special occasion. But instead of leaving you puzzled you will have the opportunity to take part in a little challenge. All you have to work out is a simple number! At the same time you’ll get to know some important symbols of English speaking areas all around the globe.
Are you up for our heavily symbolic celebration? Will you find the Lost Number? If you do make sure to leave us a comment including your e-mail address.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lost_Symbol" target="_blank">Dan Brown's Lost Symbol</a>
An article about one of Dan Brown's books that the teaser text alludes to. If you like a thrilling read this is another possibility to practise your English!
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wars_of_the_Roses" target="_blank">Today's History Lesson</a>
The "War of the Roses" was an important period in English history. If you are interested this article will complement one part of our episode with many historic details.
<a href="http://wn.com/kiwis_vs_springboks" target="_blank">Advertising Animals</a>
Have a look at this short commercial in case you didn't believe that gazelles do play Rugby against flightless birds.
<a href="http://www.icons.org.uk/" target="_blank">Icons of Englishness</a>
Here you can get to know many more symbols - or icons as they are called here - that stand for England in particular or the UK in general. Many interesting things to discover!
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state,_district,_and_territorial_insignia" target="_blank">U.S. State Insignia</a>
The episode left you wondering what the national dinosaur of Texas is? Read up here and find out about it.Listen:

49. A school day comparedSchool systems differ greatly throughout the world. Even between the UK and the US there are some striking differences. In one country, for example, students swear in the morning while in the other they pray. But UK colleges and US high schools also have some things in common.
Listen to our comparison of two school days …Listen:

48. Privately publicIf the description of school life in your English text book has always puzzled you, now’s the time to come to terms with the British education system. This episode explains how education is structured in the UK, particularly England.
And if you are curious about the US system just wait for our next episode …
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_England" target="_blank">Education in England</a>
A comprehensive article on the school system in England
<a href="http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Hogwarts_School_of_Witchcraft_and_Wizardry" target="_blank">"Ten house points for Gryffindor!"</a>
You won't believe it, but the details of school life as potrayed in the Harry Potter books and movies are actually quite representative of British boarding schools. Pupils are organised in houses and earn house points for good efforts...Listen:

47. Merry Christmas everybody!Have you been waiting for our annual Christmas Special? Here it is – from operatic to existentialist. Lean back and get some inspiration for a musical Christmas Eve!Listen:

46. Harassing aitches and the heir of the herbs“In Hartford, Hereford, and Hampshire, hurricanes hardly ever happen.” – Why did poor Eliza Doolittle struggle so much with this simple sentence? This episode deals with just one letter: An “H” can be quite a hassle, as you will learn.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H" target="_blank">Wikipedia on H</a>
Quite a long article for something as simple as a letter of the alphabet.
<a href="http://www.bl.uk/learning/langlit/sounds/regional-voices/social-variation/" target="_blank">Social Variation in English</a>
An interesting article with listening examples, one of them illustrating the phenomenon "h-dropping".
<a href="http://pronuncian.com/podcasts/episode28" target="_blank">Podcast on American Pronunciation of the H</a>
This podcast about American English pronunciation focuses on our letter of the day in its 28th episode, too.Listen:

45. A cracking, twisted topicThis episode really hurts and will prepare you for the emergency case. You will learn what differences bruised, cracked, strained and sprained body parts make. And why you may not want to ask a passer-by for help with either a contusion or concussion.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tendon" target="_blank">Ligaments & Tendons</a>
Ligaments connect different bones with eachother, tendons attach muscles to bones, and - not mentioned in the episode - fasciae link muscles with other muscles.Listen:

44. What (not) to do in an emergencyPeter tells us about his accident on the stairs and we learn how differently hospitals will handle accidents and emergencies in the English speaking world.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_department" target="_blank">Emergency Department</a>
Read up on the so-called Emergency Department of a hospital on WikipediaListen:

X07 - Goodbye, Philipp!RoPeCast is losing a valuable member behind the scenes. Philipp who was responsible for the recording and post production of all our episodes is leaving our team on to pastures new.Listen:

43. Moving inIn our last episode you learned how to read an English housing ad and what houses look like in an English-speaking country.
But the inside of your new home can hold some surprises too, especially if you’re moving to a foreign country.
In this RoPeCast you’ll learn what to expect when moving in, and why Roger was shocked when he first arrived in Germany.Listen:

42. Going homeHave you ever moved to a new home? Then you’ll know that this can be quite a challenge.
Even more so if you move to an English speaking country.
But don’t worry, we’ll tell you what kind of houses the British live in and how to read an English housing ad.Listen:

41. Twisting your tongueCaution: This RoPeCast will twist your tongue. Listen at your own risk.
Here’s a preview the type of mind-bending rhymes that await you after the download:
<i>She sells sea shells by the seashore.
The shells she sells are surely seashells.
So if she sells shells on the seashore,
I’m sure she sells seashore shells.</i>
So, have a go at our tongue twisters and send in your own.
But remember: <b>You have been warned</b>.
<a href="http://esl.about.com/od/englishlistening/a/ttwister_master.htm" target="_blank">Tongue Twisters at ESL</a>
The guys at ESL have an interactive list of tongue twisters online. Click on a link to go to the tongue twister and recording, listen as often as you want, and give them a try on your own!Listen:

40. Baby SlangIn this final 3rd episode of our mini-series about so called “child directed speech” or “baby talk” we’ll tackle the more delicate issues in talking to small children.
You’ll learn what English-speaking Moms say when the diaper is full and what their toddlers cry out when they hurt themselves.
Once again you won’t find any of this in your English textbook, so take a listen.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby_talk#Vocabulary" target="_blank">Baby Vocabulary</a>
Here you can find a little list of "vocabulary" - widely-used baby talk words and phrases.Listen:

39. Baby poetryNot interested in poetry? Well, you used to be!
As a baby, you couldn’t get enough of those rhymes. That’s no surprise, some of those lullabies, fingerplays and kneebouncers are all artforms in their own right.
Bet you still know a few in your mother tongue but what about English ones?
This ropecast features some really famous British and American baby poetry and as a bonus we will teach you how to do the “Itsy-Bitsy-Spider”.
<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/18546" target="_blank">"Mother Goose" online</a>
Read "Mother Goose" online at Project Gutenberg.
<a href="http://www.babycenter.com/itsy-bitsy-spider-how-to-gallery" target="_blank">Itsy-Bitsy-Spider</a>
At babycenter.com you can learn how to do the famous fingerplay.Listen:

38. Parentese - How Moms and Dad speak to their ToddlersRoPeCast has been all about speaking ever since it saw the light of day about 2 two years ago.
Two-year-old children are different, of course, which is why mothers use baby talk to communicate with their toddlers instead of complicated Standard English.
Now that our podcast has reached the toddler age, we thought it’s time to invite an expert to learn about so called child directed speech.
In this first part of a small series, our guest Bobbye Pernice will tell you the difference between Poppas and Poppies and explain why sissys may drink from sippy cups.
<a href="http://laptimesongs.com/mooly-cow/" target="_blank">"Mooly Cow Rhyme"</a>
Here you can read the "Mooly Cow Rhyme" which was mentioned in the Episode. The original title is "The Cow-Boy's Song" and it was written by Anna Maria Wells.
<a href="http://grandparents.about.com/od/advicefornewgrandparents/a/grampsnames.htm" target="_blank">Choosing your Grandfather Name</a>
On this page you can find an almost endless number of variations on the traditional Grandpa, some evidently caused by childish mispronunciation, some perhaps derived from grandfather names in other languages.Listen:

37. Feasting on WordsDid you know that you can learn a lot about history from food?
You can actually learn about aspects of British culture by tracing back when food names came into the English language.
How?
Find out in this episode of RoPeCast – as long as it’s hot.
<a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-etymology-of-food-part-i-why-nothing-rhymes-with-orange-58312006/?no-ist=" target="_blank">'Why Nothing Rhymes With Orange'</a>
Interesting blogpost by 'The Smithsonian' on the etymology of foods
<a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-etymology-of-food-part-ii-meaty-stories-58532644/?no-ist=" target="_blank">'Meaty Stories'</a>
Second part of that blogpostListen:

36. The ups and downs of wordsSometimes life is good to you and sometimes things just keep going downhill.
This does not only happen to people, words too can go from rags to riches – or fall from grace.
This RoPeCast traces back the career paths of some not so succesful words but also introduce you to one that really made it.Listen:

35. Around the world with wordsDo you know where the word “pyjamas” comes from?
This RoPeCast will take you on a linguistic trip around the globe to find out!
Fasten your seatbelts, lean back and we’re ready for take off.Listen:

34. To kiss or not to kiss...... that is the question (with apologies to Shakespeare).
When to shake hands, to kiss on the cheek, to speak to a stranger – this podcast suggests some dos and don’ts for visitors to Britain.
<a href="https://books.google.de/books?id=-kDPgxYU-s0C&dq=watching+the+english+kate+fox&ei=R1t5S4O4OouqNo2Q3aQE&hl=de&cd=1&redir_esc=y" target="_blank">Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour</a>
A bestseller in the UK, Watching the English is a biting, affectionate, insightful and often hilarious look English Society.Listen:

33. Pronunciation mattersDoes the way you pronounce English get you what you want?
If you ask for crabmeat, does the waiter bring crabmeat? Or does he bring you rubbish?
Ve haff vays of improving your English!
<a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/" target="_blank">Merriam Webster Online Dictionary</a>
At Merriam Webster's you can listen to the pronunciation of every word in their dictionary. For example to the pronunciation of "pronunciation".
<a href="http://www.amazon.de/Phonetics-Phonology-English-Pronunciation-CD-ROM/dp/3884767402/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265027509&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The phonetics and phonology of English pronunciation</a>
This self-study book takes the reader on a journey of discovery into the areas of pronunciation, phonetics, and phonology; places where students have often lost their way – and their motivation.Listen:

32. The 60:40 ProblemObama has not completely lost it, but losing just one senate seat may make all the difference for the new health-care bill.
Because now, Republicans can stop the law by just discussing it endlessly.
This RoPecast only needs 5 minutes to explain why the length of a speech can be a poltical weapon.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filibuster" target="_blank">Filibuster at Wikipedia</a>
Check Wikipedia for more information on filibusterListen:

31. Word ShoppingDictionaries are nice – but sometimes you just can’t find what you’re looking for in any of them. This is especially true for quite a lot of everyday items for which you may not even know a word in your own mother tongue. Don’t despair! Let us invite you to a shopping spree in which you will acquire a lot of new expressions that never make it into regular reference books.
<a href="http://www.mavgear.com/" target="_blank">Dallas Mavericks Online Shop</a>
A good place to find expressions for fan gear and sports related items.
<a href="http://www.christmastimeuk.com/" target="_blank">Christmas Time UK</a>
An online shop where you can find the English words for all things Christmas.
<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/" target="_blank">IKEA USA</a>
A great place to go to if you want to know what all the objects in your home are called.Listen:

30. Humor can be a serious businessLet’s go back to Harvard College, USA, to hear how an amusing anecdote can be used to explain a relatively difficult concept.
In the process, we learn how a computer program “accidentally” passed the Turing Test.
You don’t know what the Turing Test is? Just listen to our RoPeCast.
<a href="http://web.stanford.edu/group/SHR/4-2/text/dialogues.html" target="_blank">Eliza dialogs</a>
Here you can find the dialogue between eliza and bbn's vice president and many other dialogues with colorful personalities of early artificial intelligence.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turing_test" target="_blank">The Turing test at Wikipedia</a>
The Turing test is a proposal for a test of a machine's ability to demonstrate intelligence.
<a href="https://cs50.harvard.edu/" target="_blank">Offical Website of CS50</a>
Introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming. This course teaches students how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently.
<a href="https://cs50.harvard.edu/lectures" target="_blank">CS50 Lectures</a>
You can watch all lectures and material of CS50 online - anytime, anywhere.Listen:

29. How funny is your prof?Our podcast takes the usual lighthearted look at a serious topic – and finds that Harvard College lectures can be funny as well as informative.
<a href="https://cs50.harvard.edu/" target="_blank">Offical Website of CS50</a>
Introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming. This course teaches students how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently.
<a href="https://cs50.harvard.edu/lectures" target="_blank">CS50 Lectures</a>
You can watch all lectures and material of CS50 online - anytime, anywhere.Listen:

28. The ins and outs of US electionsAre you familiar with the terms Congress, Senate and House? Who can veto legislation? Can a veto be overturned? And what is meant by “checks and balances”? This RoPeCast gives you some answers.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Congress" target="_blank">US Congress at Wikipedia</a>
Learn more about Congress at Wikipedia.
<a href="http://www.house.gov/" target="_blank">house.gov</a>
Official website of the House of Representatives.
<a href="http://www.senate.gov/index.htm" target="_blank">senate.gov</a>
Official website of the Senate.
<a href="http://kids.clerk.house.gov/high-school/lesson.html?intID=17" target="_blank">How a bill becomes law</a>
Get a brief overview about how a bill becomes a law.
<a href="https://www.congress.gov/resources/display/content/How+Our+Laws+Are+Made+-+Learn+About+the+Legislative+Process" target="_blank">How our laws are made</a>
Check out this site if you wan't to know even more about the legislative process.Listen:

27. Common(s) Problems - The British ParliamentThe problem with getting a seat in Westminster is, well, getting a seat.
In more than one way, it can become pretty hard to become a respected Member of the British Parliament. Even if you are elected, people may just not notice you…
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliament_of_the_United_Kingdom" target="_blank">The British Parliament at Wikipedia</a>
Find out more about Britain's Parliament at Wikipedia.
<a href="http://www.parliament.uk/" target="_blank">www.parliament.uk</a>
The official Site of the ParliamentListen:

26. Vote till you Drop - The US Electoral SystemIf you think that German voting laws are complicated, take a look at the American System.
American voters have to register before voting, are invited to lengthy primaries and in the end don’t even get to vote directly for their President.
After this Podcast, the German “overhang seats” (Überhangmandate) will seem a rather trivial issue.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election" target="_blank">US presidential election</a>
All the details about voting in the States at Wikipedia
<a href="https://www.presidentialelection.com/" target="_blank">Register to Vote!</a>
Register to vote for the next presidential election, or just find out what qualifications you have to fulfill (besides being citizen of the US).Listen:

25. Dictionary updateAre you already thinking about Christmas gifts? And you have already bought the new video iPod? Well, maybe you want Santa to bring you a new dictionary. We have a new one that you could put on your list. And if you don’t like the one we present in this podcast, listen again to our podcast “More than words” for more suggestions.
<a href="http://ropecast.podspot.de/post/13-more-than-words/" target="_blank">RoPeCast Ep.13 - More than words</a>
Have you been wondering which English dictionary to buy? There are so many on the market that it is very difficult to know which one to choose. This podcast suggests which criteria are important and offers a short-list of four titles.
<a href="http://ropecast.podspot.de/post/14-the-word-is-flat/" target="_blank">RoPeCast Ep.14 - The word is flat!</a>
Everyone can see that dictionaries are helpful books, but is it worth spending more to buy a dictionary with a CD-ROM?Listen:

24. Quotations ReloadedA popular saying goes “things are not what they seem”.
This also holds true for a number of quotations.
Some really famous ones were probably never said, others are attributed to the wrong person. This podcast will show you that even legendary quotations can be fakes.
<a href="http://www.artofeurope.com/smith/smi1.htm" target="_blank">Not waving, but drowning</a>
Here you can find the poem Roger reads in this Episode.Listen:

23. Yes, we quote! - A Quotation QuizYou certainly know president Obama’s famous slogan “Yes, we can.”, but how did he come up with it?
And who first said “He who can, does. He who cannot, teaches.” ?
Find out the answers in this episode, in which Peter is challenged by Roger in a pretty tough quotation quiz.
<a href="https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Main_Page" target="_blank">Wikiquote</a>
Wikiquote is a Wikipedia spin-off providing a vast database of famous quotes.
<a href="http://www.quizmoz.com/quizzes/Quotation-Quizzes/f/Famous-Quotes-Quiz.asp" target="_blank">Quotation quiz</a>
Test your quotation knowledge in this online quiz.
Listen:

22. Friends?Genial persons have the most friends. - But they have to watch out for false friends, if they don’t want to be misunderstood.
We provide help in this RoPeCast episode.
<a href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_falscher_Freunde#Englisch" target="_blank">False friends</a>
Check this Wikipedia article for a comprehensive list of linguistic false friends.
Listen:

21. Good Show! - Learning English for TV addictsGood news: you can forget the news.
You don’t have to watch CNN all the time in order to learn English in front your TV set.
This episode will tell you how the TV can be your Friend(s) when it comes to improving your spoken English. Listen:

X06 - Presidential SlangRemeber our Ropecasts on rhyming slang?
One of our listeners had a cool idea for one that is based on Barack Obama.
<a href="http://ropecast.podspot.de/post/18-winnie-words/" target="_blank">Episode 18: Winnie Words</a>
In this episode we go even deeper into the topic of rhyming slang, including some that almost got us an “explicit” tag on the iTunes Store.
Listen:

20. Getting a Fix on ExpressionsFixed expressions are used by all and sundry 24/7.
And what’s more, the most common ones are easy to understand.
But there’s bad news too: it’s hard to find out which fixed expressions are worth remembering.
We’ll tell you where to look for help, and how to come to grips with them.Listen:

19. Proverbial EpiphanyWho told you proverbs are important? Forget school, only teachers use old fashioned sayings like “Early bird gets the worm.” Idioms are the real deal. And as an added bonus we’ll tell you the only two Englisch proverbs that are actually worth learning.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:English-language_idioms" target="_blank">English idioms at Wikipedia</a>
Find many English idioms here as well as fixed expressions and proverbs and sayings.
Listen:

18. Winnie WordsIn this episode we go even deeper into the topic of rhyming slang, including some that almost got us an “explicit” tag on the iTunes Store. If you listen closely to this episode, you will even unravel the rhyming slang riddle of this episode’s title.
Oh, and be sure to leave us a comment with your own rhyming slang based on the new American president’s name Barack Obama.
<a href="http://szsbls3.szsb.uni-saarland.de/podcast/audio/RoPeCast-RhymingSlangManual.pdf" target="_blank">RoPeCast rhyming slang manual</a>
Check out our little graphic manual on how to cope with rhyming slang!
Listen:

17. The Missing LinkWhat’s the connection between Britney Spears, Nelson Mandela, and a popular drink?
No idea? Then listen to our podcast about rhyming slang, which supplies the missing link.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhyming_slang" target="_blank">Rhyming slang</a>
Read and learn more about rhyming slang and find examples of rhyming slang in popular culture.
<a href="http://szsbls3.szsb.uni-saarland.de/podcast/audio/RoPeCast-RhymingSlangManual.pdf" target="_blank">RoPeCast rhyming slang manual</a>
Check out our little graphic manual on how to cope with rhyming slang!
Listen:

16. The Best Test in the West?The American TOEFL may be the best known English test but there is a British alternative.
The “International English Language Testing System” IELTS offers you two ways to demonstrate how good your English is.
So whether you’re planning to work or study abroad,
or even to emigrate, you should check this out.
<a href="https://www.ielts.org/" target="_blank">IELTS</a>
The IELTS global web site offers resources for test candidates and teachers.
<a href="https://www.britishcouncil.de/pruefung/ielts" target="_blank">IELTS at britishcouncil.de</a>
An information page in German language containing comprehensive information about the test procedure and testing centers in Germany.Listen:

15. Show’em or shred’emYou want to have proof of your English skills and you look around for a test that you can take to get a certificate.
You find a confusing range of options and perhaps end up paying good money for a piece of paper that is not accepted by potential employers, colleges and universities.
We’ll tell you which certifcates really are worth the money and the effort.
<a href="http://www.ets.org/toefl" target="_blank">TOEFL</a>
The TOEFL website provides you with all necessary information and even with a free demo program for practise.
<a href="https://www.ielts.org/" target="_blank">IELTS</a>
The IELTS global web site offers resources for test candidates and teachers.
<a href="http://www.unicert-online.org/" target="_blank">UNIcert</a>
Description of the UNIcert program, levels and institutes.Listen:

14. The word is flat!Everyone can see that dictionaries are helpful books, but is it worth spending more to buy a dictionary with a CD-ROM?
There are indeed many advantages to using an electronic format: help with English pronunciation, easy access to synonyms and information about frequent collocations, to name just a few.
<a href="http://ropecast.podspot.de/post/13-more-than-words/">RoPeCast Ep 13 - More than words</a>
In this RoPeCast episode you can find all the other information about dictionarys you might want to know.Listen:

X05 - Easter not-too-specialAfter our Christmas and New Year’s special episodes we tried hard to deliver something similar for Easter. Listen to this short episode to learn what we came up with …
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_egg_%28media%29" target="_blank">Easter Eggs</a>
This Wikipedia article talks about a second meaning of "Easter Egg"
<a href="http://www.eeggs.com/" target="_blank">The Easter Egg Archive</a>
You can even find Easter Eggs on your computer. Don't believe us? Well, then follow this link and see for yourself.
<a href="https://vimeo.com/1084537" target="_blank">Big Buck Bunny</a>
This open-source animated short film tells the story of a giant rabbit with a heart bigger than himself. Enjoy! Listen:

X04 - April Fool's dayDid we fool you?
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_Fools'_Day" target="_blank">April Fools' Day</a>
Read about the day and the best pranks in Wikipedia.
<a href="http://speakrussian.blogspot.de/" target="_blank">A Spoonfull of Russian</a>
If you were already looking forward to learning Russian with us ... try this podcast instead.Listen:

13. More than wordsHave you been wondering which English dictionary to buy? There are so many on the market that it is very difficult to know which one to choose.
This podcast suggests which criteria are important and offers a short-list of four titles.
You can find additional information about the “fab four” dictionarys (such as ISBN numbers etc.) below in the link-list for this episode.
<a href="https://books.google.de/books?id=FrI5NwAACAAJ&dq=9780521885416&ei=OJfQSZ6lIoLmyQSjq4XcAw&hl=de&redir_esc=y" target="_blank">Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary</a>
A Google book description of the Cambridge dictionary
<a href="http://dictionary.cambridge.org/" target="_blank">Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - online</a>
Look up words in the online version of the Cambridge dictionary
<a href="https://books.google.de/books?id=dzaAPQAACAAJ&dq=3526516731&ei=VZjQSa37EpGuzQS2i8XoCQ&hl=de&redir_esc=y" target="_blank">Longman dictionary of contemporary English</a>
A Google book description of the Longman dictionary
<a href="http://www.ldoceonline.com/" target="_blank">Longman dictionary of contemporary English - online</a>
Look up words in the online version of the Longman dictionary
<a href="https://books.google.de/books?id=G-PiAAAACAAJ&dq=oxford+advanced+learner%27s+dictionary&ei=6JfQSfSpJYLszATjkbzhBw&hl=de&redir_esc=y" target="_blank">Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary</a>
A Google book description of the Oxford dictionary
<a href="http://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/?cc=global" target="_blank">Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary - online</a>
Look up words in the online version of the Oxford dictionary
<a href="https://books.google.de/books?id=v6SISQAACAAJ&dq=Macmillan+Advanced&hl=de&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiQlfWzqM_MAhUrIMAKHY57CQgQ6AEIHTAA" target="_blank">MacMillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners</a>
A Google book description of the MacMillan dictionary
<a href="http://www.macmillandictionary.com/" target="_blank">MacMillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners - online</a>
Look up words in the online version of the MacMillan dictionaryListen:

12. Pain-free surgery and other British surprisesThose who are familiar with American English probably find it hard to believe that in the UK, surgery is not only performed in hospitals but something quite common in Parliament and even in office buildings, but it’s true.
Other troublesome words include subway, tube, torch and fag. Forewarned is forearmed!
<a href="http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Cultural_differences_between_the_US_and_England" target="_blank">Cultural differences between the US and the UK</a>
Find out more about the differences in this interesting article (written from the perspective of a Brit)Listen:

Be our guestDo you have any questions about the English language?
Or about English speaking cultures? Or about learning English?
Or other questions about English you desperately want an answer to and have been afraid to ask up to now?
If that is so, post a comment in our blog.
You can leave written comment, or record an audio comment.
With an audio comment you can even be a virtual guest on our show!
You can of course also send us your question via e-mail : <a href="mailto:ropecast@szsb.uni-saarland.de">ropecast@szsb.uni-saarland.de</a>
Just ask us anything about English, and we’ll do our best to find the answer!Listen:

11. The ins and outs of American and BritishIf one compares US and British usage, one finds apparently contrasting expressions which mean the same thing, for instance: to fill in a form versus to fill out a form. We offer an explanation and other interesting examples of how two nations are “divided by a common language”.
<a href="http://projectbritain.com/americanbritish.html" target="_blank">Vocabulary guide BE/AE</a>
In the UK, they drive slowly over sleeping policemen. Check out why in this vocabulary guide.
<a href="http://esl.about.com/od/toeflieltscambridge/a/dif_ambrit.htm" target="_blank">Grammar guide BE/AE</a>
About.com made an short overview about grammar differences between American and British English
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_American_and_British_English" target="_blank">American and British English differences - Wikipedia</a>
Wikipedia has a scientific overview about differences between American and British EnglishListen:

10. To -ing or not to -ing – that is the questionDo you know when to say I live here (simple form) and when to say I am living here (progressive or continuous form)?
Are there verbs that are used only in the simple form? What about McDonald’s and their slogan, “I’m loving it”?
We offer some help with this tricky topic.Listen:

9. Tense momentsDo you really know how many tenses you use when speaking your first language?
Our analysis might surprise you – and help you with your English.Listen:

8. No future for English?Learners who take risks when speaking English may make better progress than those who play it safe.
But ignoring grammar can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.
Let’s take the example of speaking about the future. Nothing can possibly go wrong here – or can it?
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_verbs#Tenses" target="_blank">Tenses in English - Wikipedia</a>
Get a brief overview about how tenses are used in EnglishListen:

7. Sporting languageSporting metaphors permeate the English language.
In this podcast you can learn about level playing fields, curveballs and sticky wickets.
And do you know what a rain check is? Check it out.Listen:

X02 - Where are the fireworks?—- New Year’s Special —-
Hear how people in Canada, Ireland, the USA and UK see in the New Year.
There’s talk of socials, resolutions, firecrackers… and about a famous British dinner party that only Germans really care about.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinner_for_One" target="_blank">Wikipedia article about 'Dinner for One'</a>
Wikipedia holds interesting background information about Germany's famous New Year's tradition
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes_Night" target="_blank">Wikipedia article about Guy Fawkes Night</a>
'Remember, remember the fifth of November!' - Find out the origins of this famous saying
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Times_Square_Ball" target="_blank">List of objects dropped on New Year's Eve</a>
Many cities and towns in the United States drop objects on New Year's Eve - Check 'em out at Wikipedia
<a href="https://youtu.be/BN9edpdCH7c" target="_blank">The original "Dinner for One"</a>
Watch the original on YouTube.Listen:

X01 - Chimney, Front Door or Window?—- Christmas Special —-
After we received feedback asking for longer RoPeCast episodes, we thought the forthcoming holidays were the right occasion for spending a little bit more time listening to our show.
This time we present traditions and peculiarities of Christmas in the English speaking world. Tune in and learn how our guests from many different countries spend their Christmas holidays.
Merry Christmas!
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_traditions" target="_blank">Christmas worldwide - Wikipedia Entry</a>
Find out how people all around the world celebrate christmas
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_carol#Media" target="_blank">Christmas Carols</a>
Following this link, you can listen to many of the carols mentioned in the episode
<a href="http://www.santas.net/howmerrychristmasissaid.htm" target="_blank">"Merry Christmas" in more than 50 languages</a>
Here you can explore how people all around the globe congratulate each other
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=search_videos&search_query=christmas+bean&search_sort=relevance&search_category=0&page=" target="_blank">"Merry Christmas Mr. Bean"</a>
See how Mr. Bean spends the holidays (Youtube)Listen:

6. Not all balls are roundWhen people in many parts of the world speak of the “World Cup”, they are probably referring to the game of soccer, but rugby also has its World Cup, Six Nations’ Trophy, and other competitions.
So what exactly is this game that – to outsiders – looks as though there are no rules?
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Rugby_union" target="_blank">Rugby Union Portal at Wikipedia</a>
Check out what information Wikipedia has to offer about rugby union.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_league" target="_blank">Wikipedia Article about rugby league</a>
Rugby league is another very popular rugby code, most popular in Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and France.Listen:

5. Football is not always soccerDo you know how many types of football there are in the world?
There may be no definitive answer, but we’ll deal with 3 major sports: American football, soccer and rugby football, taking in hockey and cricket along the way.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport_in_the_United_Kingdom" target="_blank">Wikipedia Article about Sport in Britain</a>
Check out what the Brits like to play for sports
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_in_the_United_States" target="_blank">Wikipedia Article about Sports in the U.S.</a>
And here you can find the fab sports in the United StatesListen:

4. Kissing guys and telling liesMondegreens are misheard song lyrics and they range from the amusing to the mind-boggling.
This RoPeCast manages to bring together Jimi Hendrix and Anneliese Braun.
After listening, you’ll want to start your own collection of mondegreens.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mondegreen" target="_blank">Wikipedia article about Mondegreens</a>
Get detailed information about the term Mondegreen and more examples at Wikipedia
Listen:

3. Ersatz vocabulary – borrowing from GermanIt is well known that German (like many other languages) has borrowed words from English. Less well known is the fact that words have also travelled in the opposite direction, with sometimes surprising results.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_German_expressions_in_English" target="_blank">more loanwords</a>
See this list at Wikipedia for some more instances and examples of German expressions in EnglishListen:

2. Missed the mark – brand name blundersDid you know that even reputable companies sometimes get it wrong when choosing a name for a new product or service?
Hear how Germans thought that Rolls Royce was offering them garbage in the 1930s, and how “Nova” was not the best name for a car.
<a href="http://www.i18nguy.com/translations.html" target="_blank">Marketing Translation Mistakes</a>
take a look at this website to delve into more brand name blunders
<a href="http://www.markenlexikon.com/markenflops.html" target="_blank">Markenflops</a>
and here you can find even more marketing mistakes (in german)Listen:

1. Where handys don't come in handyGermans are surprised to discover that it’s possible to tour the United States on a Beemer, which sounds to them like “Beamer”, a word that native speakers of English probably don’t even know, because “Beamer” is a pseudo-loan word.
We have some more examples for you…
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_friend" target="_blank">Wikipedia article</a>
More information about implications and causes of so-called "false-friends".
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denglisch" target="_blank">more words</a>
See this list at Wikipedia for some more instances and examples of Denglisch.Listen:

Welcome to RoPeCast!The name RoPeCast looks and sounds puzzling at first, but there are good reasons for using it, starting with the podcasters’ names: Roger and Peter.
Find out who they are, and what they can offer you.Listen: